Air Bombardments Causing Mounting Causalities in Northern Shan State
By Network Media Group
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Civilians have been experiencing numerous human rights abuses since the escalation of fighting during Operation 1027, as reported by Ta’ang Women Organisation (TWO). The organisation recorded cases in 16 townships in northern Shan State during the two months since it began.
At least 28 children were killed, and 47 were wounded. Additionally, 36 females were killed, with 77 wounded, and 45 males were killed, while 73 were injured during the clashes. In total, 123 people were killed, and 239 were wounded. The violence led to the destruction of many homes, religious buildings, hospitals, clinics, schools, halls, roads, and bridges.
A person from TWO, who requested anonymity, said after many bridges were destroyed in northern Shan State, people must use jungle roads if they want to travel in the area. “It’s really difficult to send humanitarian assistance for IDPs (internally displaced persons) in northern Shan State. Before, we could transfer them money through the Kpay application, but there has been no phone and internet service available…in Namkham, Muse, Hsenwi and Kutkai area.”
TWO surveyed the effects of the war between Three Brotherhood Alliance and Burma army in Pan Hsai, Mongkoe, Muse, Namkham, Kutkai, Kunlon, Laukkai, Hsenwi, Hsipaw, Namtu, Tang Yang, Lashio, Namhsan, Manton, Kyaukme, Nawngkio townships for its late December report. It found the main causes of causalities were attributed to air attacks, artillery attacks and hidden landmines.
“Burma army has launched more airstrikes since November. For example, jet fighters dropped bombs on two civilian villages in Namhsan Township even though there was no clashes in these villages. Many people were killed by the airstrike and civilian houses and a hospital were damaged. Children were killed by the airstrike when they were sleeping in their home. A mother and her children were killed at the same time.”
When an aircraft flies overhead now, she said that everyone flees in different directions.
The Burma army has increased airstrikes since November, causing civilian casualties and damaging homes and infrastructure. A jet fighter bombarded a Buddhist monastery in Manli village of Chaung Hser village-tract in Namtu Township on December 29, resulting in the death of a school teacher working with the Ta’ang National Education Centre.
The Ta’ang National Liberation Army, which is part of Three Brotherhood Alliance, reported capturing 73 regime camps and towns, including Namkham, Namhsan, Manton, Namtu, and Mong Lon, in the last two months.
The Ta’ang’s commander-in-chief visited the front line and these towns on December 29.
